How Do I Play Roulette: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to play roulette for beginners. This guide covers the basics, from placing bets to understanding the rules and enjoying the game.
Updated January 27, 2025.
Roulette is popular with beginners and experienced players because of its straightforward rules and engaging gameplay. Yet, it's common for new players to feel a bit overwhelmed by the various betting options and the concern of losing money quickly.
If you're a beginner who's not sure how roulette works, don't worry—we can help. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basic rules, explain the various types of bets, and share simple strategies to boost your chances of winning at roulette, both online and in casinos.
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The Basics of Roulette
American Roulette
The American roulette wheel features two green pockets: a single zero (0) and a double zero (00). It has 38 total pockets, with numbers 1 to 36 alternating between red and black, plus the green 0 and 00. The table layout mirrors the wheel, with numbers arranged in three columns and rows. You can place bets on individual numbers, sections of the wheel (like red/black), or combinations of numbers.
The house edge in American roulette is 5.26%. This means for every $100 wagered, the casino statistically keeps $5.26 in the long run. The extra 00 pocket gives the house a bigger advantage compared to European roulette.
» Here are our beginner's guide for American roulette
European Roulette
The European roulette wheel has a single green zero (0) and 37 total pockets. Numbers 1 to 36 alternate between red and black, just like the American wheel. The table layout also closely resembles the American layout. However, it may include a special section for placing call bets on specific groups of numbers.
The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%. This is significantly lower than American roulette because the wheel has only one green pocket.
» Learn more: European roulette odds and payouts
Types of Bets in Roulette
Roulette offers two main categories of bets: inside bets and outside bets. They differ in risk, reward, and the area of the table where players put their chips.
Inside Bets: High Risk, High Reward
You can place these high-risk, high-reward wagers on the numbered grid in the centre of the table. Inside bets cover specific numbers or small groups of numbers. Examples include a straight-up bet on a single number (pays 35:1) or a split bet on two adjoining numbers (pays 17:1). While payouts are exciting, the odds of winning are low.
Outside Bets: Lower Risk, Longer Play
Outside bets include larger sections of the wheel, like colours (red/black), odds/evens, or high/low numbers. You can place these lower-risk, lower-reward wagers on the outer edges of the table. They offer close to a 50/50 chance of winning, with payouts around 1:1. While the return isn't as thrilling, outside bets can help you play longer and experience more spins.
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How to Play Roulette for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Between American and European Roulette
If you're a beginner, opt for European roulette to increase your chances of winning. Here's why:
- House edge: European roulette has a lower house edge, so your money will last longer.
- Simplicity: While both games are similar, European roulette's single zero makes things slightly less complicated.
Although the potentially higher payouts in American roulette might be tempting, the odds are stacked more in favour of the casino. European roulette offers a better balance for beginners to learn the ropes and enjoy the game.
2. Buy Chips
Buying chips at roulette differs from other casino games. Before you start playing, you need to:
- Approach the table: Wait for a break in the game and politely approach the dealer (croupier).
- Exchange cash for chips: Place your cash on the table and tell the dealer the desired total amount.
- Choose chip denomination: The dealer will ask what value you want each chip to have (e.g., $5, $25).
- Receive coloured chips: The dealer will provide chips in a specific colour to differentiate them from other players' bets.
Note: You can only use these coloured chips at the roulette table; they have no cash value elsewhere in the casino.
» Check out these strategies to dominate the roulette table
3. Place Bets
To place bets in roulette, put your chips on the designated areas of the table layout:
- Inside bets: Place your chip directly on the number for a straight-up bet. For splits (two numbers) or streets (three numbers), put the chip on the line between them.
- Outside bets: Place your chip on the specified coloured or numbered section (red/black, odd/even, etc.) on the table's outer area.
Etiquette Tips
- Wait for the dealer to signal that betting is open (usually after the wheel spins).
- Use clear hand gestures to avoid confusion about your bet placement.
- Don't touch chips once the wheel spins; wait for the dealer to remove them.
- Be mindful of other players and avoid blocking the layout.
» Explore the psychological factors that contribute to the thrill of betting
4. Watch the Spin
Once players place their bets, the dealer spins the roulette wheel in one direction and releases the ball in the opposite direction. The ball bounces along the track before settling into one of the numbered pockets.
Here's what you should watch for:
- The ball's path: A smooth and even spin of both the wheel and the ball is ideal.
- The pocket: The pocket where the ball ultimately lands determines the winning number and outcome of bets.
Remember: Don't touch your chips or reach for winnings until the dealer signals the end of the round.
5. Determine the Outcome
The dealer will announce the winning number in a clear voice and place a marker (dolly) on the winning number on the layout. They might also reveal the winning colour (red or black) if relevant to outside bets.
Once the outcome is clear:
- Losing bets: The dealer will sweep away losing chips from the layout.
- Winning bets: Winning chips remain on the table. The dealer will pay out winning bets according to the odds. Players can keep their winnings on the table for their next bet or exchange them for cash from the dealer.
Note: Always thank the dealer and consider tipping them if you win (optional).
» Discover what are the best roulette numbers to bet on
Online vs. Physical Casino Roulette
Selecting the Roulette Type
- Physical casino: You choose between American or European roulette by selecting a table with the desired wheel.
- Online casino: You can pick the roulette variant (European or American) from the game selection menu.
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Purchasing Chips
- Physical casino: You exchange cash for coloured chips at the roulette table.
- Online casino: Your casino balance acts as your virtual chips; no physical exchange is needed.
Betting on the Layout
- Physical casino: Place your chips directly on the numbered areas or betting boxes on the table layout.
- Online casino: Click on the desired bet area on the virtual roulette table displayed on your screen.
Observing the Spin
- Players in both settings observe the wheel spin and ball land to determine the outcome.
» See how the roulette wheel works
Determining the Outcome and Payouts
- Physical casino: The dealer announces the winner, clears losing bets, and pays out winnings with additional chips. You can keep them on the table for further play or cash out.
- Online casino: The winning number is highlighted, losing bets are automatically removed, and winnings are added to your casino balance. You can choose to keep playing or withdraw your winnings electronically.
While both online and physical casinos let you play the game of roulette, online casinos have more features that can be especially appealing to beginners. They provide a broader selection of games, easy chip purchasing, simple betting, and quick payouts.
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Roulette Strategies for Beginners
Martingale System
The Martingale system involves doubling your bet after every loss, with the idea that eventually winning a bet will recoup all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. However, doubling bets can quickly drain your bankroll—especially during a losing streak.
Paroli System
The Paroli system is the opposite of the Martingale system. You increase your bet by the original amount only after two consecutive wins. Then, after a loss, you start over by placing the original bet amount again. This strategy is less risky than the Martingale system, but the wins are smaller.
Bankroll Management
Effective roulette bankroll management is crucial for enjoying roulette responsibly. Before starting to play, decide on a budget that you're comfortable losing—this is your bankroll. Stick to this limit and never wager more, even if you're chasing losses.
Also, to make your bankroll last longer, it's wise to keep your bets small. A good rule of thumb is to bet no more than 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single spin. This approach helps you extend your playing time and reduces the impact of individual losses on your overall bankroll.
» Maintain and multiply your betting funds with our practical bankroll management guide
Common Mistakes and Solutions
Ignoring the House Edge
Beginners may not fully grasp the concept of the house edge, which is the casino's inherent advantage in roulette.
Solution: Always choose European roulette, which has a lower house edge (2.7%) than American roulette (5.26%).
Chasing Losses
Trying to win back losses by placing larger bets can lead to an even bigger financial hole.
Solution: Before playing, set a stop-loss limit and walk away when you reach it. This will help prevent excessive losses.
Betting on Every Spin
Roulette is a fast-paced game, and constantly betting on every spin can quickly drain your bankroll.
» Learn how to recognize and manage addictive betting
Solution: Choose your spins strategically or take breaks between rounds to avoid overspending. This will help you maintain better control over your bankroll.
» Follow these tips to ensure safe online betting
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Learn to Play Roulette Responsibly
Roulette can be exciting for beginners, but you need to start slow. First, explore demos, free play on social and sweepstakes sites, or casinos with low wager bonuses to get a feel for the game without risking lots of money. Once you're ready to play for real, set a budget and stick to it like glue. As a beginner, focus on outside bets like red/black or odd/even for better odds. Save the high-risk, high-reward inside bets for when you're a seasoned pro.
Above all else, remember that roulette is about entertainment, not making money. Gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose. With a solid understanding of the game, smart bankroll management, and a focus on fun, roulette can provide hours of excitement.
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